When you recycle your toner cartridge you can play a part in saving both the environment and the toll on your pocketbook. These days throwing your toner cartridge in the trash is a waste; it’s like throwing your money away!

The primary way to save money and a piece of the planet simultaneously regarding your toner cartridges is to to recharge them with new toner. Manufacturers can replace the drums and other important parts with new ones. Additionally, some retail shops accept trade-ins for spent toner cartridges when you purchase a new one from them. These cartridges are then filled with new toner before being sold at a reduced rate in comparison to brand new ones. Self-refill kits are also available.

Multiple types of refill kits are available for cartridges, depending on the type you need for your system. These kits make recycling toner cartridges simple and cheap. Most refill kits come with instructions, and the toner is inside a plastic bottle. With the exception of a soldering iron, you will not need any special tools. Here are four basic steps on how to recycle your toner cartridge.

1. Take the toner cartridge off the printer.

2. Using the soldering iron, carefully burn a small hole into the cartridge casing without damaging the casing. Do not employ a drill to create the hole, as this can cause miniscule pieces of plastic to fall into the cartridge’s chamber.

3. Pour the toner in through the fill hole. Per manufacturer’s directions, add only a portion of the toner to the cartridge’s toner rather than filling it completely. This is particularly important if the cartridge has been refilled more than one time.

4. Once you’ve poured enough toner into the cartridge, seal the hole with tape.

When handled improperly toner can ruin furniture, clothes, carpeting, etc., so be particularly careful when handling the substance. Further, many toners are hazardous; therefore, take necessary precautions by wearing gloves and keep it out of children’s reach.

Non-biodegradable toner cartridges are destined for landfills, but if you recycle your toner cartridges or buy re-manufactured ones you can play an active role in eliminating waste and saving landfill space. And that saves on disposal costs!

You can also avoid making a mess by purchasing re-manufactured toner cartridges. These are available from your local office suppliers and specialty stores. Some retailers will pick up used toner cartridges when they deliver your purchased re-manufactured cartridge. Also, over the last few years toner cartridge re-manufacturers have improved their technology to the extent that the quality can meet the manufacturer’s OEM standards. Moreover, few re-manufactured cartridges produce poor quality or prints or exhibit signs of malfunction and/or leakage.

About the Author: Megan Barlow assists others to learn and apply green and sustainable living practices. To learn more, please visit her blog on Green Building.

Source Article: How to Recycle Your Toner Cartridge